Cop Buildable Design Sep05

CODE OF PRACTICE ON
Buildable Design
September 2005
The Code of Practice on Buildable Design is published by the

Building and Construction Authority.
Building and Construction Authority, September 2005
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN 9971-88-745-2
Contents
CODE OF PRACTICE
1
Scope
Definitions
Statutory requirements
Buildability score requirements
Submission procedures for buildability score requirement
ANNEX
A
Buildable Design Appraisal System
11
Introduction
The limits on supply of foreign workers and rising demand for better quality make it necessary for
the industry to adopt labour-efficient designs and use of more pre-assembled products. A key
measure to achieve this is the introduction of government regulations under the Building Control Act
to require building designs to have a minimum Buildability Score.
This Code sets out the requirements of minimum buildability and the submission procedures. It also
sets out the method of determining the Buildability Score. Some amendments and revisions may be
expected from time to time.
If you need clarification on any aspect of this Code of Practice, please contact the Building and
Construction Authority, Singapore.
SCOPE
This Code of Practice sets out the minimum Buildability Scores for different categories of building,
the submission procedures and the method for determining the Buildability Score of a building
design.
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Code, the following definitions shall apply:
Buildability
The extent to which the design of a building facilitates ease

of construction.
Buildability Score
The score for buildability computed in accordance with Buildable

Design Appraisal System as set out in the Code of Practice.
Minimum Buildability
Score
The lowest Buildability Score allowed under a particular

category of development stipulated in this Code.
Gross Floor Area
The gross floor area is calculated using the definition by the Urban
Redevelopment Authority (URA).
Labour Saving Index
A value given to a particular building system which reflects the relative

difference in site labour productivity associated with the various
structural and wall systems. A labour saving index is also given for
the use of prefabricated reinforcement/cages in cast in-situ
components.
Qualified Person (QP)
The Qualified Person shall be as defined in the Building Control Act,

Chapter 29, Part I, Section 2.
Type of Use
This refers to the use of the building/development, e.g. residential

use or commercial use.
Type of Building
Work
This refers to new building work, repairs, alterations or additions to

an existing building (whether carried out within or outside the existing
building).
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Act and Regulations
The following Act and Regulations have relevance:
a.
The Building Control Act.
b.
The Building Control Regulations.
c.
The Building Control (Buildable Design) Regulations.
3.2 Responsibility
3.2.1
It is the responsibility of the owners, architects, engineers, contractors and others

engaged in the design and construction of buildings to be conversant with the
statutory requirements pertaining to Buildability Score. Designers should familiarise
themselves with the Buildable Design Appraisal System (BDAS). This will enable
them to consider a wider range of construction systems and products to meet
the requirement for minimum buildability.
3.2.2
The owner shall engage the appropriate qualified persons to carry out buildable
design. The QP for building works and the QP for structural works shall be
responsible for ensuring that the buildability requirement is met. The QPs shall
jointly declare the Buildability Score achieved. The QPs shall also jointly declare
the As-built Buildability Score achieved.
BUILDABILITY SCORE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Buildability Score
4.1.1
The Buildability Score of the building design shall be determined using this Code
of Practice and the BDAS which is given in Annex A of this Code. BDAS may, from
time to time, be amended, modified or replaced with a new edition.
4.1.2
Summary of the three areas of scoring

The Buildability Score of a project is made up of 3 parts:
Part 1
Structural System (maximum 50 points). Points are awarded for various

types of structural system used.
Part 2
Wall System (maximum 40 points). Points are awarded for various

types of wall system used.
Part 3
Other Buildable Design Features (maximum 10 points). Points are

awarded for standardisation, modular dimensions and use of precast/
prefabricated components.
In addition to the above, bonus points are obtainable in Part 3 if a project uses
single integrated components such as prefabricated bathroom/toilet units and precast
household shelters.
The maximum buildability score achievable for a project is capped at 100 points.
4.2 Types of Development

4.2.1
The minimum Buildability Score requirement shall apply to new building works
with Gross Floor Area (GFA) equals to or greater than 2,000 m2.
4.2.2
The minimum Buildability Score requirement shall also apply to building works
consisting of repairs, alterations and/or additions (A&A work) to an existing building
if the building works involve the construction of new floor and/or reconstruction of
existing floor for which their total gross floor area is 2,000 m2 or more.
4.2.3
The various types of building development are categorised in Table A. Buildings

listed under the First Schedule are exempted from the buildability requirement.
4.2.4
For building works with GFA equals to or greater than 2,000 m2 but less than
5,000 m2 and for which applications for planning permission were made before 1st
January 2004, the minimum Buildability Score requirement shall not be applicable.
Table A Categories of Building

CATEGORIES
TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT
Residential (landed)
Terrace house
Semi-detached house
Bungalow
Clustered housing
Residential (non-landed)
Condominium
Flat
Service apartment
Apartment
Dormitory
Hostel
Commercial
Bank
Departmental store
Shopping centre
Office building
Supermarket
Restaurant
Hotel
Conventional hall and facilities
Exhibition hall
Table A Categories of Building (contd)

CATEGORIES
TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT
Industrial
Factory
Warehouse
Godown
Brewery
Cold storage building
Packaging and processing plant
Printing plant
Sub-station
School
Primary school
Secondary school
Institutional and others
Library
Hospital
Home for the aged
Childcare centre/Nursery
Research building
Educational facilities
Terminal building
Campus
Medical centre
Camp
Embassy
Museum
Crematorium and Columbarium
Club house
Cinema/Theatre
Sports/Recreational facilities
Public transport station
The above list shall not be exhaustive. The QP is advised to seek clarification with BCA if his type of
development is not stated in the above list.
4.2.5
For buildings not listed in the First Schedule, the QP may apply for exemption if
the building has a uniqueness arising from special functional requirements. The
exemption will be on a case-by-case basis. The application for exemption is to be
submitted to the Commissioner of Building Control.
4.3 Minimum Buildability Score

4.3.1
For new building work and A&A work outside existing building (considered as new
work), the minimum Buildability Score for each category of development, namely
residential projects, commercial projects, industrial projects, school projects and
institutional and other projects are tabulated in Table B. Different minimum Buildability
Score requirements are given for 2,000 m2 GFA < 5,000 m2, 5,000 m2 GFA < 25,000 m2
and GFA 25,000 m2.
Table B Minimum Buildability Score for New Work

MINIMUM BUILDABILITY SCORE
CATEGORY OF BUILDING
WORK / DEVELOPMENT
2,000 m2 GFA <

5,000 m2
5,000 m2 GFA <

25,000 m2
GFA 25,000 m2
57
59
62
63
65
68
Commercial
65
72
75
Industrial
67
74
77
School
64
69
72
60
66
69
4.3.2
For clarity, reference shall be made to the table below for the relevant issue of
Code of Practice on Buildable Design to be used.
Code of Practice on Buildable

Design to be used
Date of planning application

Before 1st January 2001
Not applicable
1st January 2001 31st July 2002
December 2000 issue
1st August 2002 31st December 2003
June 2002 issue
1st January 2004 31st August 2005
January 2004 issue
On or after 1st September 2005
September 2005 issue
4.3.3
For A&A work within existing buildings, the minimum Buildability Scores for
residential, commercial, industrial, school and institutional and other projects are
shown in Table C.
Table C Minimum Buildability Score for A&A Work

CATEGORY OF BUILDING WORK /
DEVELOPMENT
57
60
Commercial
62
Industrial
62
School
60
60
4.3.4
The minimum Buildability Scores will be raised in January 2007 and August 2008
as shown in Table D.
Table D Minimum Buildability Score with effect from 2007 and 2008
st
WORK / DEVELOPMENT
st
1 JANUARY 2007
1 AUGUST 2008
GFA
2,000 m2 5,000 m2
GFA
2,000 m2 5,000 m2
2
GFA < GFA < 25,000 m GFA < GFA < 25,000 m2
5,000 m2 25,000 m2
5,000 m2 25,000 m2
60
62
65
60
65
68
72
75
74
77
74
77
69
72
66
69
57
(A&A work within existing building)
66
68
71
67
60
67
74
77
Commercial
69
62
69
74
77
Industrial
69
62
64
69
72
School
64
60
60
66
69
60
60
The minimum Buildability Scores in Table D shall take effect for projects submitted for planning approval
on or after the respective dates.
4.3.5
Minimum Buildability Score for Mixed Development

The minimum Buildability Score for mixed development will be pro-rated according to
the GFA of each type of development. For example, the minimum Buildability Score
for a mixed development comprising 70% residential (non-landed) and 30% commercial
is computed as follows:
Computation of Minimum Buildability Score for a Mixed Development

with GFA between 5,000 m2 and 25,000 m2
% OF BUILDING GFA
5,000 m2 GFA < 25,000 m2
70% of GFA
70% of 65 = 45.50
Commercial
30% of GFA
30% of 72 = 21.60
The required minimum

Buildability Score
100% of GFA
67
(rounded to nearest integer)
Computation of Minimum Buildability Score for a Mixed Development

with GFA 25,000 m2 and above
% OF BUILDING GFA
GFA 25,000 m2
70% of GFA
70% of 68 = 47.60
Commercial
30% of GFA
30% of 75 = 22.50

Buildability Score
100% of GFA
70
4.3.6
Minimum Buildability Score for Project with A&A Work

The minimum Buildability Score for a project with A&A work to be carried out both
within and outside the existing building will be pro-rated according to the GFA of new
work outside the existing building and work within the existing building. For example,
the minimum Buildability Score for an A&A commercial project comprising 20% work
within the existing building and 80% new work outside the existing building is computed
as follows:
Computation of Minimum Buildability Score for an A&A Commercial

Project with GFA between 5,000 m2 and 25,000 m2
TYPE OF WORK
% OF GFA
5,000 m2 GFA < 25,000 m2
A&A work within existing building
20% of GFA
20% of 62 = 12.40
Work outside existing building
80% of GFA
80% of 72 = 57.60

Buildability Score
100% of GFA
70
SUBMISSION PROCEDURES FOR BUILDABILITY SCORE REQUIREMENT

Buildability score will be one of the requirements for Building Plan (BP) approval. The BP will
not be approved if the submitted buildability score is lower than the stipulated minimum. The
buildability score is to be submitted by QPs at the following stages:
5.1
BP stage
ST (Structural plan) superstructural stage
Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP)/Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC) stage
Submission at BP Stage
The QPs shall indicate in Form BPD_BP03 (Application for Approval of Building Plans)
whether Buildability Score calculations are applicable to the proposed building works. If
applicable, the Buildability Score is to be submitted together with the BP submission
using Form BPD_BS01. The Buildability Score is to be jointly declared by all QPs and the
detailed computation of the Buildability Score attached. Forms BPD_BP03 and
BPD_BS01 can be downloaded from BCAs website at http://www.bca.gov.sg/.
5.2
Submission at ST Superstructural Stage

The current submission procedures allow the ST to be submitted separately from the BP.
The structural Buildability Score is required to be submitted at the ST superstructural stage,
if applicable. For each ST submission before BP submission, the QPs shall indicate in
Form BEV/A1 (Application for Approval of Structural Plans) whether Buildability Score
calculations are applicable to the proposed building works. If applicable, the Structural
Buildability Score is to be submitted by the QP for Structural Works using Form BEV/
A1_BS02. Forms BEV/A1 and BEV/A1_BS02 can be downloaded from BCAs website at
http://www.bca.gov.sg/.
5.3
Submission at TOP/CSC stage

5.3.1
Upon project completion, the QPs shall compute and declare the As-built
Buildability Score and submit one set of the computation to BCA using Form
BPD_BS03. This application is to be made within one month of obtaining TOP or
before CSC, whichever is earlier. Form BPD_BS03 can be downloaded from
BCAs website at http://www.bca.gov.sg/.
5.3.2
BCA may conduct site checks during the construction stage.
First Schedule
BUILDING WORKS WHICH ARE NOT SUBJECTED TO THE MINIMUM
BUILDABILITY REQUIREMENT
The types of development which are not subjected to the minimum buildability requirement are:
(a) any culvert, bridge, underpass, tunnel, earth retaining or stabilising structure, slipway, dock,
wharf or jetty;
(b) any theme park;
(c) any place of worship;
(d) any power station; or
(e) any waste processing or treatment plant.
10
Annex A
BUILDABLE DESIGN APPRAISAL SYSTEM
11
Contents
1.0
INTRODUCTION
13
1.1 Objective
1.2 Principles of Buildable Design
1.3 Scope
1.4 Buildability Score and Contractors Productivity
1.5 Rationale on Allocation of Points
1.6 Rationale on Derivation of Labour Saving Indices
1.7 Development of Buildable Design Appraisal System, BDAS
2.0
HOW TO USE THE BUILDABLE DESIGN APPRAISAL SYSTEM,

BDAS
15
2.1 Components of the Appraisal System

2.2 Computation of Buildability Score
3.0 EXAMPLES ON COMPUTING BUILDABILITY SCORE

3.1 A Single Block Building Project
3.2 A Multi-Block Building Project
12
24
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Buildable Design Appraisal System or BDAS was developed by the Building and
Construction Authority as a means to measure the potential impact of a building design on the
usage of site labour. The appraisal system results in a Buildability Score of the design. A
design with a higher buildability score will result in more efficient labour usage in construction
and therefore higher site labour productivity.
1.1
Objective
The objective of BDAS is to result in the wider use of buildable design. It is not the
intention to adopt buildability at the expense of good architectural design. The need
for more varieties and architectural features to satisfy clients needs is recognised.
There are, in fact, many examples of attractive designs that have high buildability
scores.
Neither is the BDAS intended to solely promote prefabrication. Although, in
general, prefabrication should give higher buildability scores, designs using
simple cast-in-place construction can also yield reasonably high buildability scores.
Most importantly, buildable designs will lead to improvements in quality. This is
due to the relative ease of construction and the need for fewer skilled tradesmen.
1.2
Principles of Buildable Design

The designer should first consider external factors such as soil condition, access and
storage at the site, availability of resources, skills and technology, sequence of
operations etc, to determine the most appropriate building system to be used.
He can then apply the 3S principles of Standardisation, Simplicity and Single integrated
elements to achieve a buildable design.
Standardisation refers to the repetition of grids, sizes of components and
connection details. A repeated layout, for example, will facilitate faster construction
whether formwork or precast components are used. Similarly, columns or external
claddings of repeated sizes will reduce the number of mould changes whether on-site
or in the factory.
Simplicity means uncomplicated building construction systems and installation
details. A flat plate system, for example, eases formwork construction as well as
reinforcement work considerably. Use of precast components reduces many trade
operations on site and should improve site productivity provided the standardisation
principles are observed.
Single integrated elements are those that combine related components together
into a single element that may be prefabricated in the factory and installed on site.
Precast concrete external walls, curtain walls or prefabricated toilets are good examples
of this.
13
1.3
Scope
BDAS therefore looks at the design and computes the extent to which the
principles of standardisation, simplicity and single integrated elements are found.
It covers the structural system and the major architectural components such as
external and internal walls, doors and windows.
Points are awarded based on the types of structural and architectural system used.
More points are awarded to the more buildable systems. The points are totalled
to give the Buildability Score of the design.
1.4
Buildability Score and Contractors Productivity

The particular Buildability Score for a design does not imply that every contractor will
achieve the same level of site productivity when building that design. There are
other factors that affect the contractors output such as his management, quality of
his sub-contractors and others. However, a high Buildability Score will imply that
the same contractor should build that project with less site labour than one with a low
Buildability Score.
1.5
Rationale on Allocation of Points

The computation of Buildability Score for a project involves the summation of
Buildability Score attained for structural systems, wall systems and other
buildable features. The maximum Buildability Score achievable for a project is 100
points.
The allocation of points to structural systems, wall systems and other buildable
features is based on manpower consumption.
1.6
Rationale on Derivation of Labour Saving Indices

One of the more important factors in the appraisal system is the labour saving index
(LSI). A labour saving index is given to each building system and for the use of
prefabricated reinforcement/cages in cast in-situ components. The building systems and
the indices will be updated regularly to reflect the changes in technology.
Projects were identified for each type of building system to undergo studies. Labour
productivity, measured in square metres per manday, relating to each building system
was analysed. Based on the relative difference in labour productivity, the labour saving
index for each building system was derived. A high index indicates that the design is
more buildable and fewer site workers are needed.
1.7
Development of BDAS
The Buildable Design Appraisal System was developed with the assistance of a committee
comprising leading local and foreign contractors who provided productivity data inputs
from their projects. Inputs from various government agencies, consultants and product
manufacturers were also incorporated. The concern for buildability, or the need to integrate
design with construction, has also been taken up in developed countries. In Japan, this
integration is maximised as most projects proceed on a design-and-build basis. Major
Japanese contractors such as Takenaka Corporation, Taisei Corporation and Kajima
Corporation have developed their own in-house buildability appraisal systems. BCAs
Buildable Design Appraisal System is modelled after Takenakas system.
14
2.0 HOW TO USE THE BUILDABLE DESIGN APPRAISAL SYSTEM (BDAS)

2.1
Components of the Appraisal System

The BDAS provides a method to compute the Buildability Score of a design. It
consists of three main parts:
(a)
the Structural System;
(b)
the Wall System; and
(c)
Other Buildable Design Features.
Buildability Score of the Structural System

A designer could use different structural systems for different parts of the building so
as to achieve the best practical design. The Buildability Score for a particular structural
system is the product of the percentage areas covered by the structural system and
the corresponding labour saving indices available in Table 1. These are summed up
and multiplied by the weight factor to arrive at the Buildability Score of the total structural
system. The maximum Buildability Score is 50 points.
Buildability Score of the Wall System
The Buildability Score for a particular wall system is computed by multiplying the
percentage wall length covered by the wall systems and the corresponding labour
saving indices. These are summed up and multiplied by the weight factor to arrive at
the Buildability Score of the total wall system. The maximum Buildability Score achievable
in Table 2 is 40 points.
Buildability Score of Other Buildable Design Features
In this section, the buildability of the design is examined at the detailed level. Three
basic design characteristics, namely standardisation of columns, beams, windows and
doors, grids and usage of precast components are considered. The use of these
buildable design features will be awarded with points directly. The maximum Buildability
Score that can be achieved in this section is 10 points. In addition, bonus points would
be given for the use of single integrated components such as prefabricated bathroom/
toilet units and precast household shelters.
15
2.2 Computation of Buildability Score

The Buildability Score formula is expressed as:
Buildability
Score of
Building
Buildability Score of Structural System (including Roof System)

+ Buildability Score of Wall System
+ Buildability Score of Other Buildable Design Features
BS
50 [(As x Ss)] + 40 [(Lw x Sw)] + N + Bonus points
where As
Asa / Ast
Lw
Lwa / Lwt
As
Percentage of total floor area using a particular structural system
Ast
Total floor area which includes roof (projected area) and basement area
Asa
Floor area using a particular structural system
Lw
Percentage of total external & internal wall length using a particular wall
system
Lwt
Total wall length, excluding the length of external basement wall for
earth retaining purpose
Lwa
External & internal wall length using a particular wall system
Ss
Labour saving index for structural system (Table 1)
Sw
Labour saving index for external & internal wall system (Table 2)
Buildability Score for other buildable design features (Table 3)
Bonus points =
Bonus points for the use of single integrated components
The Buildability Score of a project which consists of more than one building should be computed
by multiplying the respective Buildability Score of the individual building with its percentage of
the total floor area of that building in the project. That is,
BS project = Sum of [BS building x (Ast) building / (Ast) project]
16
EXPLANATORY NOTES TO BUILDABILITY SCORE FORMULA

(a)
Buildability Score of Structural System

The score for the structural system is based on the following:
Method for computation 50 [(As x Ss)]
As :
The extent to which a particular structural system is used. This is expressed as a

percentage of the total floor area of the building.
Ss :
A labour saving index for the particular structural system. The labour saving indices for
the various structural systems are given in Table 1.
All structural systems used must be accounted for. If a combination of systems is used, then
the contribution of each system is computed and summed up to arrive at the score. The
maximum Buildability Score for the structural system is 50 points.
The total floor area is the total floor area constructed in the project, and includes roof (projected
area) and basement area.
(b)
Buildability Score of Wall System

The score for the wall system is based on:
Method for computation 40 [(Lw x Sw)]
Lw :
The extent to which a particular external or internal wall system is used. This is expressed
as a percentage of the total wall length of the building.
Sw :
A labour saving index for the particular external or internal wall system. The labour
saving indices for the various wall systems are given in Table 2.
All wall systems must be accounted for. If a combination of systems is used, then the contribution
of each system is computed and summed up to arrive at the score. The maximum Buildability
Score for the wall system is 40 points.
The total wall length includes all external and internal walls but exclude external basement
wall for earth retaining purpose.
(c)
Buildability Score of Other Buildable Design Features, N value

This section covers other design considerations that contribute to labour saving on site. Points
are given for each labour saving method adopted and these are summed up to give the score,
up to a maximum of 10 points. The points of various design considerations are given in Table
3.
(d)
Buildability Score of Single Integrated Components, Bonus points

Bonus points are given for the use of single integrated components such as prefabricated
bathroom/toilet units and precast household shelters. The points of various single integrated
components are given in Table 3.
17
TABLE 1 Structural Systems Ss Value

(to be used for projects with planning applications made from 1st September 2005 to 31st December 2006)
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
LABOUR
SAVING INDEX
Ss
DESCRIPTION
Full precast
1.00
Precast column/wall with flat plate/flat slab(1)
0.95
Precast beam and precast slab
0.90
Precast beam and precast column/wall
0.85
Precast column/wall and precast slab
0.80
Precast beam only
0.75
Precast slab only
0.75
Precast column/wall only(1)
0.75
Precast Concrete System
Steel beam and steel column

Structural Steel System
(without concrete encasement)
(applicable only if steel
decking or precast slab is
adopted)
(with concrete encasement)
Cast In-situ System
Roof System
0.95
0.85
Flat plate(1)
0.90
Flat slab(1)
0.85
One-way banded beam(1)
0.75
Two-way beam(1) (slab/beam(2) >10)
0.65
Two-way beam(1) (slab/beam(2) 10)
0.50
Integrated metal roof on steel truss
0.90
Metal roof on steel truss or timber truss
0.85
Tiled roof on steel beam or precast concrete beam or

timber beam
0.75
Metal roof on cast in-situ beam
0.60
Tiled roof with cast in-situ beam
0.55
NOTE:
(1)
(2)
*
*
For cast in-situ floor with cast in-situ transfer beam, an index of -0.10 shall be applied to the entire cast in-situ floor
area. This requirement does not apply to cast in-situ floor with transfer beam designed for ramp access.
Slab/beam refers to the value of slab area over number of beams.
An index of 0.03 each would be given if prefabricated reinforcement/cage is used in cast in-situ slab, beam and
column.
Indices for other systems not shown in this table shall be determined by BCA on a case-by-case basis. For such
cases, the QPs are advised to seek BCAs comments before proceeding with the designs.
18
TABLE 1 Structural Systems Ss Value

(to be used for projects with planning applications made on or after 1st January 2007)
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
LABOUR
SAVING INDEX
Ss
1.00
DESCRIPTION
Full precast
Precast beam and precast slab
Precast beam and precast column/wall
Precast Concrete System
0.90
(3)
(3)
Precast column/wall and precast slab
0.80
Precast beam only
0.75
Precast slab only
0.75
Precast column/wall only

Structural Steel System
(applicable only if steel
decking or precast slab is
adopted)
Cast In-situ System
Roof System
(1)
0.85
(1)(3)
0.75

(without concrete encasement)
0.95

(with concrete encasement)
0.85
Flat plate with no or minimal perimeter beams

(slab/beam(2) > 15)
0.90(4)
Flat plate with perimeter beams

(slab/beam(2) 15)
0.80(4)
Flat slab with no or minimal perimeter beams

(slab/beam(2) > 15)
0.85(4)
Flat slab with perimeter beams

(slab/beam(2) 15)
0.75(4)
One-directional banded beam
0.75
Two-directional beam (slab/beam(2) > 10)
0.65
Two-directional beam (slab/beam(2) 10)
0.50
Integrated metal roof on steel truss
0.90
Metal roof on steel truss or timber truss
0.85
Tiled roof on steel beam or precast concrete beam or

timber beam
0.75
Metal roof on cast in-situ beam
0.60
Tiled roof with cast in-situ beam
0.55
NOTE:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
*
*
For cast in-situ floor with cast in-situ transfer beam, an index of -0.10 shall be applied to the entire cast in-situ floor
area. This requirement does not apply to cast in-situ floor with transfer beam designed for ramp access.
Slab/beam refers to the value of slab area over number of beams. In flat plate or flat slab cases, this refers to the
value of the flat plate area (or flat slab area) over the number of perimeter beams bounding the flat plate (or flat
slab).
Precast wall refers to load-bearing walls only.
An additional index of 0.05 would be given if flat plate/flat slab is used with precast columns (or precast load bearing
walls). For example, the index for flat plate with no or minimal perimeter beams (slab/beam > 15) with precast
columns would be 0.95 (0.90 + 0.05).
An index of 0.03 each would be given if prefabricated reinforcement/cage is used in cast in-situ slab, beam and
column.
Indices for other systems not shown in this table shall be determined by BCA on a case-by-case basis. For such
cases, the QPs are advised to seek BCAs comments before proceeding with the designs.
18a
EXPLANATORY NOTES TO TABLE 1

(a)
Table 1 has been arranged into 4 main systems of precast concrete system, structural steel
system, cast in-situ system and roof system with their respective labour saving indices. In the
event when a structural system used for a project is not stated in Table 1, the labour saving
index shall be decided by BCA.
(b)
For precast concrete system, the labour saving indices are given according to the
combinations of precast components (slab, column/wall and beam) used.
(c)
For cast in-situ beam and slab construction, the slab/beam value is calculated by dividing the
floor slab area over the number of beams supporting that floor area. *In the case of a flat plate
or flat slab, this value is calculated by dividing the flat plate or flat slab area over the number
of perimeter beams bounding the flat plate or flat slab. A continuous beam across three
columns is considered as two beams for the purpose of determining the value of slab area
over number of beams. Similarly, a continuous beam across four columns is considered as
three beams.
st
* applies only to projects with planning applications made on or after 1 January 2007
(d)
Flat plate refers to a slab design which does not have column heads or drop panels. Under
BDAS, a flat plate system could be viewed as a floor with flat soffit (with the exception of
perimeter beams). From the buildability point of view, such floor with flat soffit would ease
formwork construction and reinforcement work at site considerably and helps to improve site
productivity.
(e)
The index for concrete roof depends on the type of structural system used and follows the
respective index given under cast In-situ system or precast concrete system.
(f)
The integrated metal roof refers to prefabricated roofing system complete with insulation and
can be installed as an entire roof section.
(g)
A transfer beam refers to a beam that interrupts the paths of load bearing elements from
above and distributes the loads sideways to the ends of the beam.
(h)
Additional points in the form of labour saving index of 0.03 each would be awarded for the use
of prefabricated reinforcement/cages in cast in-situ floor, beam and column.
The use of prefabricated reinforcement/cages must be indicated on plans.
The percentage of coverage for the use of prefabricated reinforcement/cages is to be based
on the total floor area or on the total number of columns or total number of beams.
Example of prefabricated reinforcement:
Area of precast floor = 3000 m2
Area of cast in-situ floor using prefabricated reinforcement (mesh) = 7000 m2
Total floor area including roof area = 10, 000 m2
Percentage of coverage
= area of cast in-situ floor using mesh/total floor area
= 7000/10000
= 70%
Therefore, points awarded = 0.03 x 0.70 x 50
= 1.05
19
TABLE 2
Wall Systems Sw Value
WALL SYSTEM
LABOUR SAVING INDEX SW
Curtain wall/full height glass partition/dry partition wall(2)/

prefabricated railing
0.70
1.00(1)
Precast concrete panel/wall(3)
0.80
0.90(1)
PC formwork(4)
0.50
0.75(1)
Cast in-situ RC wall
0.50
0.70(1)
Cast in-situ RC wall with prefabricated reinforcement
0.54
0.74(1)
Precision block wall (internal wall)
0.40
0.45(1)
Precision block wall (external wall)
0.30
Brickwall
0.30
NOTE:
(1)
The higher indices apply to no finishes, finishes done off-site or where skim coat and/or paint is applied on site.
(2)
Dry partition walls include sandwich panel wall systems, stud and sheet partition wall systems, demountable wall
systems.
Precast concrete panels/walls include normal weight concrete panels, lightweight concrete panels, autoclaved
aerated concrete panels.
PC formwork refers to precast formwork panel with concrete infill.
(3)
(4)
Indices for other systems not shown in this table shall be determined by BCA on a case-by-case basis.
20

(a)
Table 2 has been arranged into the various wall systems with their respective labour saving
indices. Where a wall system has 2 labour saving indices, the lower index is applicable when
the finishes involve plastering, tiling or stone works on site. Conversely, the higher index
applies when there are no finishes, the finishes are done off-site or the finishes only involve
application of skim coat and/or paint on site. In the event when a wall system used for a
project is not stated in Table 2, the labour saving index shall be decided by BCA.
(b)
Dry partitions refer to panels that do not require the use of water for erection. Examples are
solid composite gypsum boards, cementitious panels or glass panels etc. Precision blocks
refer to lightweight concrete blocks that have precised dimensions ( 1mm dimensional
tolerance) and can be laid on thin bed adhesive mortar.
(c)
The use of prefabricated reinforcement in cast in-situ walls must be indicated on plans.
21
TABLE 3 Other Buildable Design Features N Value

(to be used for projects with planning applications made from 1st September 2005 to 31st December 2006)
BUILDABLE FEATURES
MODULE
UNIT OF
COVERAGE
N VALUE
PERCENTAGE OF
COVERAGE(4)
65% TO
80%
< 80%
1.
Standardisation
1.1
Columns (3 most common sizes)
0.5M(2)
no.
2.00
1.2
1.3
0.5M(2)
no.
2.00
0.5M
no.
1.00
1.4
Beams (3 most common sizes)

Door leaf openings (width)
(3 most common sizes)
Windows (3 most common sizes)(1)
1M/1M
no.
1.00
2.
Grids
0.5M
no.
1.50
2.00
0.5M
no.
0.75
1.00
area
1.50
2.00
area
0.75
1.00
2.1(a)
(3)
Repetition of floor-to-floor height

For blocks more than 6 storey
The repetition should omit bottom floor, top floor and
above.
2.1(b)

For blocks up to 6 storey
above. Only applicable if there are at least 2 floor
heights remaining after the floor omission.
2.2(a)
Vertical repetition of structural floor layout

above.
2.2(b)

above. Only applicable if there are at least 2 floors
remaining after the floor omission.
3.
3.1
Others
Multi-tier precast columns
no.
2.00
3.2
Precast or pre-assembled/ metal staircases
no.
2.00
3.3
Precast meter chambers
no.
1.50
3.4
Precast refuse chutes
no.
1.50
3.5
Precast service risers
no.
1.00
3.6
Non-screed floor
area
1.00
3.7
3.8
Columns sit directly on top of piles

Ground beams on top of pilecaps and/or
integrated with pilecaps
no.
1.00
no.
1.00
A.
Single Integrated Components (Bonus Points)
A.1
Prefabricated bathroom/toilet units complete

with piping/wiring
A.2
no.
2.00
3.00
no.
2.00
3.00
Precast household shelters

Household shelter is considered as precast if the
total length of the in-situ joints is not more than 20%
of its wall perimeter on plan.
NOTE:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Sizes based on dimensions of frames.

The module of 0.5M does not apply to steel columns and beams.
1M for width and 1M for height (1M = 100 mm).
Percentage of coverage is to be based on total floor area or on total number of components such as columns, beams,
doors, windows etc.
For void on slab that does not serve any functional requirement and is enclosed by walls, 1.00 point will be
deducted even if there is only one such void within a block.
22
TABLE 3 Other Buildable Design Features N Value

(to be used for projects with planning applications made on or after 1st January 2007)
BUILDABLE FEATURES
MODULE
UNIT OF
COVERAGE
N VALUE
PERCENTAGE OF
COVERAGE(4)
65% TO
80%
< 80%
1.
Standardisation
1.1
Columns (3 most common sizes)
0.5M(2)
no.
2.00
1.2
1.3
0.5M(2)
no.
2.00
0.5M
no.
1.00
1.4
Beams (3 most common sizes)

Door leaf openings (width)
(3 most common sizes)
Windows (3 most common sizes)(1)
1M/1M
no.
1.00
2.
Grids
0.5M
no.
1.50
2.00
0.5M
no.
0.75
1.00
area
1.50
2.00
area
0.75
1.00
2.1(a)

above.
2.1(b)

above. Only applicable if there are at least 2 floor
heights remaining after the floor omission.
2.2(a)
(3)

above.
2.2(b)

above. Only applicable if there are at least 2 floors
remaining after the floor omission.
3.
3.1
Others
Multi-tier precast columns
no.
2.00
3.2
Precast or pre-assembled/ metal staircases
no.
2.00
3.3
Precast meter chambers
no.
1.50
3.4
Precast refuse chutes
no.
1.50
3.5
Precast service risers
no.
1.00
3.6
Non-screed floor
area
1.00
3.7
No column stumps
no.
1.00
3.8
Precast bay windows
no.
1.00
3.9
Precast planter boxes
no.
1.00
A.
Single Integrated Components (Bonus Points)
A.1
Prefabricated bathroom/toilet units complete

with piping/wiring
A.2
no.
2.00
3.00
no.
2.00
3.00
Precast household shelters

Household shelter is considered as precast if the
total length of the in-situ joints is not more than 20%
of its wall perimeter on plan.
NOTE:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Sizes based on dimensions of frames.

The module of 0.5M does not apply to steel columns and beams.
1M for width and 1M for height (1M = 100 mm).
Percentage of coverage is to be based on total floor area or on total number of components such as columns, beams,
doors, windows etc.
For void on slab that does not serve any functional requirement and is enclosed by walls, 1.00 point will be
deducted even if there is only one such void within a block.
22(a)

(a)
Table 3 shows the point given to each buildable design feature that contributes to labour
saving on site. Points are summed up to form the Buildability Score for this section. The
maximum score for this section is 10 points.
(b)
For item 1 Standardisation, the criteria of minimum module must be met before points are
given. M denotes 100mm. 0.5M implies that sizes must be in multiples of 50mm. 1M implies
that sizes must be in multiples of 100mm.
(c)
For item 2 Grids, the criteria of minimum module (where applicable) must be met before
points are given. M denotes 100mm. For repetition of floor-to-floor height, 0.5M implies that
the floor-to-floor height must be in multiples of 50mm.
(d)
The unit of measurement for each type of design feature is in number or area. This is specified
in the column entitled Unit of Coverage.
(e)
The percentage of coverage for each type of design feature is classified into 2 categories:
(i) 65% to < 80%
(ii) 80%
(f)
BCA shall determine the points to be awarded or not to be awarded for other buildable design
features that are not stated in Table 3. For such cases, the QPs are advised to seek BCAs
comments before proceeding with the designs.
23
3.0 EXAMPLES ON COMPUTING BUILDABILITY SCORE

3.1 A SINGLE BLOCK BUILDING PROJECT
A.
B.
Project Information
1 block of 18-storey high residential flat
No basement
5 residential units per storey
For simplicity, assume typical floor layout for each floor
Assume floor-to-floor height of 3.3 m, except 1st storey, which is 4 m high
For area of building:

Total floor area of residential units
= 18 x 645.90 m2 =
11,626.20 m2
Total floor area of Lift Lobby
= 18 x 102.40 m2 =
1,843.20 m2
Roof area (assume same as typical floor)
748.30 m2
Ast : Total floor area of building including roof area
14,217.70 m2
Buildability Score Formula

BS = 50[(As x Ss)] + 40[(Lw x Sw)] + N + Bonus Points
Typical Floor Plan
Area of residential units per floor
=
=
129.18 x 5
645.90 m2
Lift lobby area per floor
102.40 m2
Typical floor area
=
=
645.90 + 102.40
748.30 m2
24
Design based on flat plate system with cast in-situ columns with wall combination of precast
walls and precision blocks.
(illustration is based on Table 1 for projects with planning applications made from 1st September 2005 to
31st December 2006)
DESCRIPTION
Structural System
(1) Flat plate for apartment area +
Roof
Asa = 19 x 645.90 = 12,272.10 m2
Ast = 14,217.70 m2
(2) RC beam/slab for lift lobby area +
Roof
Asa = 19 x 102.40 = 1,945.60 m2
Ast = 14,217.70 m2
Value of slab area over number of
beams less than 10
Note : - Roof design as in (1) and (2)
LABOUR
SAVING
INDEX
AREA(m2)
or
LENGTH(m)
COVERAGE
(%)
BUILDABILITY
SCORE
SS = 0.90
12,272.10 m2
86.32%
38.84
SS = 0.50
1,945.60 m2
13.68%
3.42
14,217.70 m2
100.00%
42.26
86.00%
1.29
Total
Use of prefabricated reinforcement
Welded mesh for cast in-situ floor slab
86% of total floor area
0.03
43.55
Total (a)
Wall System
(1) Full height glass and railing
(2) Curtain wall
(3) Precast concrete wall
- skim coat and paint finish
(4) Cast in-situ RC wall
(staircase and lift shaft)
- plaster & paint finish
(5) Precision blocks (internal wall)
(6) Precision blocks (internal wall)
- tiled finish
(7) Precision blocks (external walls)
Sw = 1.00
Sw = 1.00
Sw = 0.90
408.60 m
717.30 m
5,204.20 m
3.86%
6.78%
49.22%
1.55
2.71
17.72
Sw = 0.50
885.00 m
8.37%
1.67
Sw = 0.45
1,963.90 m
18.58%
3.34
Sw = 0.40
313.60 m
2.97%
0.47
Sw = 0.30
1,080.20 m
10.22%
1.23
10,572.80 m
100.00%
28.69
Total (b)
25
LABOUR
SAVING
INDEX
AREA (m2)
or
LENGTH (m)
COVERAGE
(%)
BUILDABILITY
SCORE
(1) Standardisation of columns

(0.5M)
3S at 86%
86%
N = 2.00
(2) Standardisation of door leaf

openings (width) (0.5M)
3S at 85%
85%
N = 1.00
(3) Standardisation of windows

3S at 85%
(1M/1M)
85%
N = 1.00
(4) Repetition of floor-to-floor height

(0.5M)
100%
100%
N = 2.00
(5) Precast refuse chutes
100%
N = 1.50
85%
N = 1.00
DESCRIPTION
Other Buildable Design Features
100%
(6) Ground beams on top of pilecaps
85%
Total (c)
8.50
Buildability Score of Project (a) + (b) + (c)
81
26
3.2
A MULTI-BLOCK BUILDING PROJECT

A. Project Information
This project consists of 8 blocks of buildings: 3 blocks of 3-storey high workshop (Block A, B & C)
2 blocks of 2-storey high workshop (Block D & E)
1 block of 2-storey high multi-purpose hall (Block F)
1 block of 2-storey high classroom (Block G)
1 block of 2-storey high classroom cum administration (Block H)
Ast, total floor area including roof
Block A, B & C
Ast =
Block D
Ast =
Block E
Ast =
Block F
Ast =
Block G
Ast =
Block H
Ast =
Overall project
Ast =
(projected area), of each building is as below:

2,700 m2 per building
3,000 m2
2,400 m2
2,600 m2
1,000 m2
3,600 m2
20,700 m2
B. Buildability Score
The Buildability Score (BS)
Block A
:
Block B
:
Block C
:
Block D
:
Block E
:
Block F
:
Block G
:
Block H
:
for the respective

BS = 79.00
BS = 79.00
BS = 79.00
BS = 79.00
BS = 79.00
BS = 77.00
BS = 59.20
BS = 57.20
blocks is as follows:
(Ast)bldg / (Ast)proj = 0.13
The Buildability Score of the project is computed as below:

BSproj = Sum of [BSbldg x (Ast)bldg / (Ast)proj]
= 74
27
Notes

Cop Buildable Design Sep05

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

Cop Buildable Design Sep05

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cop Buildable Design Sep05

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CODE OF PRACTICE ON

The Code of Practice on Buildable Design is published by the

Buildability score requirements

Submission procedures for buildability score requirement

Buildable Design Appraisal System

The extent to which the design of a building facilitates ease

The score for buildability computed in accordance with Buildable

The lowest Buildability Score allowed under a particular

Gross Floor Area

Labour Saving Index

A value given to a particular building system which reflects the relative

Qualified Person (QP)

The Qualified Person shall be as defined in the Building Control Act,

This refers to the use of the building/development, e.g. residential

This refers to new building work, repairs, alterations or additions to

The Building Control Act.

The Building Control Regulations.

The Building Control (Buildable Design) Regulations.

It is the responsibility of the owners, architects, engineers, contractors and others

BUILDABILITY SCORE REQUIREMENTS

Summary of the three areas of scoring

Structural System (maximum 50 points). Points are awarded for various

Wall System (maximum 40 points). Points are awarded for various

Other Buildable Design Features (maximum 10 points). Points are

4.2 Types of Development

The various types of building development are categorised in Table A. Buildings

Table A Categories of Building

Table A Categories of Building (contd)

Institutional and others

4.3 Minimum Buildability Score

Table B Minimum Buildability Score for New Work

2,000 m2 GFA <

5,000 m2 GFA <

Institutional and others

Code of Practice on Buildable

Date of planning application

1st January 2001 31st July 2002

December 2000 issue

1st August 2002 31st December 2003

June 2002 issue

1st January 2004 31st August 2005

January 2004 issue

On or after 1st September 2005

September 2005 issue

Table C Minimum Buildability Score for A&A Work

MINIMUM BUILDABILITY SCORE

Institutional and others

(A&A work within existing building)

(A&A work within existing building)

(A&A work within existing building)

(A&A work within existing building)

Institutional and others

(A&A work within existing building)

Minimum Buildability Score for Mixed Development

Computation of Minimum Buildability Score for a Mixed Development

5,000 m2 GFA < 25,000 m2

The required minimum

Computation of Minimum Buildability Score for a Mixed Development

The required minimum